Independence Day Blog Ring Theme

Good Morning,

Since Thursday is a holiday, the blog will be taking a break and going to work at the same time.   This blog ring theme is Independence Day, last week we featured Thunder Rose Leather, if you have not given the shop a look, I reccomend doing so.  You can click through using the link below or visit the blog’s older posts to find links to their various shops and sites.  

Let us have a look at some of the wonderful and fun Summertime Holiday goodies offered by the creative folks at handmadeartists.com

Nothing says patriotic like this pretty red, white and blue necklace.

 From: TX Gulf Coast Creations

Red White and Blue Handmade Crochet Beaded Necklace Made in USA

Product Details:

This piece is a unique handmade crochet beaded necklace fashioned in a red, white & blue pattern with pearl beads spaced

evenly throughout. The beads are glass, and are crocheted into
denim semi-glossy crochet thread. I’ve added two silver colored
fish clasps to this, which complement the red white & blue colors,
while keeping it secure. Measurements: The length is approximately 15″, including the 2 silver colored fish clasps.  The width is 3/4″. 

This is a one of a kind, handmade piece. I created it in the USA,
here on the Gulf Coast of Texas. This item is available for FREE
shipping within the Continental United States. If you are outside
of the Continental U.S. and are interested in this or another of my
items and have good feedback here or on another reputable online
site, please feel free to contact me, and perhaps we can come to
an agreement.  

Thank you for visiting my shop, and please let me know if I can
assist you with anything.
 

Now here is a product that is not only useful and Summertime appropriate, it is all nature and won’t harm you, your pets or the environment. An essential for that Independence Day Bar-B-Que.  Be sure to check out their line of All Natural Healthy Bath and Beauty and products.

From: Reef Botanicals

Buzz Off Bug Repellent SPECIAL PREORDER SALE 15 PERCENT OFF

Product Details:
Our 100% natural insect repellent smells great and is a terrific alternative to Deet-laden products to repel mosquitoes and ticks.
We rely only on essential oils in a grapeseed oil base, to ensure that it’s safe and doesn’t contain any poisons.

8 oz.

Yet again, Reef Botanicals adheres to its commitment to bring you all-natural bath and beauty products. All of our bath and beauty products are made with all natural ingredients, never synthetic perfumes, fragrance oils, or colorants, and never pre-made soap bases. Our commitment is to the ultimate in quality and your well-being. You can rest assured that our products are free of harmful chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and parabens.

When I was a small person we visited my Grandmother on occasion.  This was a treat as she lived out of state, and we rarely saw her, but she had the most wonderful kitchen, as least my childhood memory remembers it so.  The thing I thought was one of her better “tools” were here recipe boxes.  She didn’t have just one, she had several, and they were all unique and different.  Dinners, Desserts, and one for Special Occasions and Holidays.

From: My European Touch

Rectangular lidded Mosaic Recipe Box Treasure Box Gift Box broken china mosaic

Product Details:
Rectangular, lidded box with handmade cut, broken china plate rim Mosaic, painted in Vanilla, grouted in Antique White Grout, sealed, outfitted with a pink porcelain knob
and a handmade clay rose. One side is enhanced with a cameo. A recipe box, a treasure box, something totally different and use it as a gift box….To wrap a gift now, and harbor coveted gifts later… in this beautiful box.
A quaint alternative to the boring regular recipe boxes, or fill with homemade fudge or some other goodies…. to give away.
Write your favorite recipe down and stash within, comes with recipe cards. Four nostalgic china plate designs have been rescued and used to enhance this box. Cut up and broken china plate rims from Royal Albert, Old English Rose, Edwin Knowles, even a lil bit of Paris is present.  The edges are ensconced by a row of cream colored gimp top/bottom to protect your furniture.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Five Great Gifts to Give #21

Good  Morning,

Now that some of the mayhem has wound down in getting the Brick and Mortar shop in order, and we are upon Independence Day this Thursday, it is time to return to the regular blog schedule and show off five neat items from five neat shops.

Links to both the shop and the item shown are available.  We encourage you to check out what these shops have to offer, as there is only so much room in the blog, and so much more in their shops. 

From: Stone Buckner Freelance:

Absolutely perfect for that beachy summer outing!

Upcycled Seafoam Green Leather and Upcycled Bullet Casing Bracelet

This bracelet is a perfect summer wardrobe addition! It’s made with 1mm sea-foam green leather and recycled silver metal bullet casings. It is 8-8.5″ in length. 

From: Handmade By Ani

Have a Wedding coming up?  Christening?  Baby Shower?  These little cuties would make excellent gift bags for guests or bridesmaids or other attendants. 

150 Ivory Lace drawstring Pouch -3″ wide x 3.5″ high

Reusable 150 Ivory Lace Drawstring pouches measuring 3″ wide x 3.5″ high that are great for wedding or sending out your jewelry, soap, candles, beads, herbs, candy etc to your buyers. Its also great for packing any small gifts.

If there is any specific color you need for the ribbons, or if you need a different measurement, please do feel free to convo me.

I have 35 different colors ribbons which can be used for the Drawstring.

washing instructions : Machine wash/ Hand wash and leave it to dry.

All the products are handmade in my smoke-free and pet-free home.

I will be listing more of these little bags, so please do come back.

Just because my PRICES ARE REASONABLE, it doesn’t mean that my handmade Products are not of GOOD QUALITY!! I I buy my fabrics in lots from wholesale stores, in order to keep my costs down and share the savings with my customers.

From: Sue’s Arts

Isn’t this wonderful?  A modern take on a locket.  Personalization available!  How great is that?

Customize necklace, personalized necklace, custom jewelry

This necklace is a SAMPLE of a customized item.

This is my daughter from 17yrs ago when she was only 4yrs old.

The options are vast and many things can be done just convo me and we’ll create that special item together.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

Suzan ♥ 

From: The Button Bird

I love hair accessories, even though they never stay in my hair.  These are cute and would make a nice accessory for the office as well.

Red Wedding Bobby Pins Ruby Hair Clips

Red wedding bobby pins ruby hair clips made from antique buttons and jewelry parts. The jewels and buttons are attached using industrial strength professional jewelry glue. One bobby pin has a ruby red center, while the other pin has an Art Deco feel to it. Both were made from 1950’s jewelry.

Bobby pin findings are bronze tone and measure 1 3/4.”

Shipping: Jewelry will be wrapped in protective bubble wrap and mailed in a sturdy cardboard shipping box. Tracking is included with shipping cost.

The Button Bird bobby pins are carried in many galleries as well as my Etsy shop and are great for every occasion!

View another vintage bobby pin set here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128956351/purple-hair-bobby-pins-vintage-set?ref=shop_home_active

 From: The Alchemists Vessel

There are lots of unique and marvelous things in the shop.  Many of them customizable in a favorite color, material or style. Or stop in and shop the selection of Ready-To-Wear pieces available.  Perhaps your favorite is waiting for you.

Mystery Chain Maille Bracelets Set of Four

These fabulous bracelets come in a set of four (4). They are dark, dreamy, striking, yet subtle, just right to match your mood, attire or lipstick. A collection of pretty ribbons for the wrist, these are an excellent choice for the tailored grey Professional suit, a sleek and sensuous bauble for Date Night, a surprise under the black lights at the club, or a cool element to go with your favorite pair of jeans and t-shirt on that weekend get away. Terrific for Rocker, Biker, Goth, and Metal fashions, a superior accessory for velvet or leather. Would make a unique ensemble for Film, Stage or Event attire or costuming. The mystery, how do the rings just float there like that?

Each bracelet measures 8-1/4″ to 8-1/2″ long, including clasp. Gunmetal tone (over copper) and enameled aluminum jump rings in Teal, Purple, Olive Green, and Red, are woven in the Inverted Round Maille pattern and finished with a strong magnetic clasp that holds well during everyday activities and movements.

Arrives boxed, ready for gift giving.

This item is not customizable.

Items are 20% Off the individual sale price.

Free Shipping this item.

Also available in silver-plated outer rings.

Ask us about Wholesale and multi-item order discounts.
 Thank you for stopping by and  having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week. 

The State of the Studio Undressed

Hello Middle of the Week,

Wednesday is here and the topic is usually what is new and going on in the Studio / Shop.

As many of you know my computer was misbehaving for the last couple of weeks.  After much time staring and loading screens and clicking the Restart button at the appropriate time, the new OS X is successfully installed and the computer up to date and everything else is ready to roll!  Pleased about that.

Last weekend was Mid-Summer Treasure Valley Flea Market, although not the venue for me, a good time was had by all.  Due to the event the studio is in disarray and in need of a good sorting out and through things.

However, we are also preparing a couple of fun tutorials.  A video, more than likely presented in segments on how to make a simple pair of earrings.  Once you have the basics down, you’ll be making your own pretties in no time.  We will begin with materials, followed by simple and easy to master techniques that are used in all facets of jewelry making, like making a loop at one end of a headpin and how to use jump rings or other attachment methods to complete the earrings.

I thought it might be fun as well to show the new skills I am learning in class, like Cuttle Bone casting.  This is done with inexpensive materials that you can purchase from your local pet and hardware stores.  Neat, huh?

Since I am feeling like the blog is rather stale and we can’t be all business all the time, let us take another departure from work and wander into my backyard once more.

A couple of weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to find a Tiding of Magpies in my back yard including a fledgling.  The black and white of their feathers has inspired a necklace that I am working on, but I thought it might be fun to share one or more of the photos.  

As not to disturb their refreshments I stood at the back door with the camera lens almost pressed against the glass and set once again at the 13x Zoom.

There were a total of six of them, and although I was unable to catch them all at the same time, each one was individual an unique in their markings.  Here is a most handsome fellow, although they were aware of me, they seemed not to care I was there.

Oops, busted!  This adult caught me taking pictures and chastised me before flying off into the tree further down the backyard.  

The fledgling was the last to take off, and the last one to use the birdbath as well.  It is not uncommon for birds to appear in the yard with the feeder set up, but it is a rarity when these magnificent and beautiful creatures arrive and visit for a while.

This little guy still has some of his “baby” feathers.

Thank you for stopping and having a look, and possibly finding a smile cross your face.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday!

Monday Market Review

Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you all.

This past weekend was the Treasure Valley Flea Market.  A fun diversion in the middle of a hot summer afternoon.

The show was packed with people and goodies to be had, from Jewelry to Toys, and an Antique or two.

Happy Shoppers in the booth next door, poured over vintage Ray Bans and Handmade Jewelry.  The Market had a ton of things to look at.  In the center building this year, there was more space for more folks!

The booth looked good this year with cloth “walls”, the curtain served as a nice backdrop for the booth.

I am happy to say that a lot of what you see on the table was sold, as well as two of my favorite pieces of Chainmaille.  Back to the workbench for me!

Fun was had by all.  I usually say that these things are really a social gathering for the vendors, but I think even the shoppers really enjoyed this event.

When I returned home Saturday evening, tired and exhausted from the day, we had a little rain and the neighborhood was treated to a natural display of beauty.  A double rainbow arched over my neighbors house.  My camera can not do it justice.  As the sun came out the rainbow faded, I stood at the backdoor and took a couple of photos in the rain.  This is the second one I have seen since I have lived in the neighborhood.  Nature is a grand and wonderful thing.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant week.

New Inventory In The Etsy Shop

Here we are, Monday, again.  How does it keep doing that?

Now that you all have your coffee, let us see what can be found in the shop.  There are more items on the way and custom work is always welcome!

Just in time for summer is this very cute and feminine Necklace set, that is the perfect compliment to the Summer dress that you have been dying to wear.  Silver Metal Daisies (Sunflowers) adorn the Silver plated jump rings linked in the Dragon Chain chainmaille pattern lengths, interrupted by lovely Peridot green faceted glass beads.  Matching earrings are included.

Daisy Chain

Matching Earrings

Next up is more summertime green with this “Tibetan Silver” Dia de los Muertos inspired motif of Skulls and Flowers.  Green glass beads in a pretty emerald to a soft pastel make up most of the chain, finished with a silver metal Rollo chain for durability.  Although the earrings do not match exactly they continue the flower motif with cute daisies perched atop their heads. 

*NOTE:  Tibetan Silver, has no silver content what so ever and is an alloy consisting mainly of Tin or Zinc.  If there is any silver in the metal at all, it is 1% to 2% at most.  This metal us usually Nickel and Lead free due to allergies to these metals.

Zombie Spring

 

Also available in Black.  See: One Dark Night

Understated Steampunk Theme Bracelet crafted from Antiqued Bronze jump rings, star and gear charms.  This is a fun and light weight bracelet.  The gears were sold as jewelry components and have never been used in any machinery or device to my knowledge.  The chain is linked in the “Daisy Chain” or Rosette chainmaille pattern to add an extra bit of dimension and interest to the otherwise simple charm bracelet design.  The rings appear to be twisted or knotted together.

Star Stream

And last but not least in a three (3) piece jewelry set in antiqued Bronze.  Necklace is 25″ long, adorned by a lovely old world style locket with an octopus motif.  Antiqued Bronze chain is interrupted by genuine Pyrite and antiqued Bronze beads.  The earrings match the beads links and the bracelet is 8″ and a simple affair of antiqued Bronze chain and six genuine Pyrite beads suspended at equal intervals along the chain.  Both necklace and bracelet are finished with a Lobster Claw clasp, earrings are completed with French Wire (Fish Hook) style ear wires.

Pyrite Octopus

We do have new things in store for the shop.  New beads and other materials are being carefully collected and considered for all current projects and ideas that are in the works!

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant work week.

Butterflies In The Backyard

Happy Wednesday,

The middle of the week is here and the count down to Friday begins, not only that, but today is the official first day of Summer! Happy Solstice everyone!

I think the blog has become a little stale of late, the same subjects all the time week after week.  Thursday’s Featured Artist is fun and looking at all the shops and things on Etsy is a blast too, however, I am running short of contributors. Bringing on a decision to every once in a while step away from the work and jewelry aspect of the blog and talk about something random.  On occasion this has occurred, but it needs to become more of a regular thing.

In today’s hustle and bustle, instant gratification world of hurry, hurry, now, now, we sometimes forgot to look up from the phone screen, stop texting, step away from the computer or whatever holds our concentration and attention, and take a look around the real world, the one we live in, not the one we cultivate via electronics, gagdets and social networks.

Having said that, I would like to share a neat experience.  Yesterday, as I sat at the workbench (table), I glanced out the window and was surprised by this wonderful, huge, beautiful butterfly crawling across the potted marigolds on the deck in the backyard.  Opening the sliding glass door requires some effort, instead of wasting time fighting with the track, and snatching the camera off the table instead, I slowly crossed the carpet to sit quietly at the backdoor and take these pictures through the plate glass window.

The camera is set on 13x zoom, and the photos are a little fuzzy, but the detail is pretty amazing for my little Canon A480.  I took them in order as it walked across the petals and then flew off.  Missing the final “in flight” shot, the wings are still awe inspiring.  Such a delicate creature, I think this is called a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.

There are seven photos in total.  It must have walked the flowers for two or three minutes allowing me to finally get a really good shot of its wings.  Although taken through plate glass window, I don’t think I could have captured this creature’s beauty if it was three inches from the camera instead.

 I thought it was ready to take flight in this picture, until…

Oops, apparently not, either that or it figured out it was being photographed and allowed me to take a picture of its wings fully extended.

It did finally take off, and as mentioned above I did miss the initial shot I had intended to take, the camera has a strange almost three second delay, however the wings are a sight to behold.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  In hope that today’s blog has brought a smile to your face and a moment of calm while you read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful rest of the week.

Links and Promotions – Things To Do in Boise

Good Morning,

The weekend has arrived!  It is Friday!  On Friday’s I usually share links to sites or information and promote something or someone, shop, art, something.  In today’s vernacular, “I got nothing”, so let’s see what we can’t find on the web.

Looking for something to do this weekend?  There is always Pride, or you can check out the Boise Weekly for activities and events happening around your neighborhood.

Also going on this weekend is the Ye Olde Renaissance Fair at Eagle Island State Park.  Fear Not they say IHOP is giving away $5.00 Certificates for Cart Parking ($5.00 a car to get in!)

I will be the instructor for this weekend’s Jo-Ann Fabrics Jewelry-Making Class.  

Looking for something else to do?  Check out the Boise Calendar of Events, music, art, education and governmental goings on.  

That’s all for today.   Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant weekend.

5 Great Gift To Give Summer Idea I

Although Summer is not quite here, I thought it would be fun to look at gifts and things to do this summer.

Summer Classes and Camps.  These can be anything from a couple of hours learning how to create jewelry, knit or crochet, paint, draw, to an active Day Camp for kids that may include hiking, swimming, biking, a day at the playground, or the zoo.  Many of these camps not only welcome but encourage patents to join in the activity as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics has several Summer Camps for kids from Sewing to other fun activities both educational and fun, that are geared especially for little one.  There are also adult classes available.  This Saturday, June 9th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Jo-Ann Fabrics is having an open house. Class sign up is 50% off, come on down and see what they have in-store for you or for your little one this Summer.  My class projects will be on display as well.

Jo-Ann Fabrics (Boise, Idaho)

1085 North Milwaukee Street

Boise, ID 83704

Get directions

Milwaukee Marketplace‎

(208) 323-5373

joann.com‎

I try to inject a little humor into things here is a fun and unique gift for the Accident Prone individual in your life, and someone is bound to wind up with a scraped knee. Fortune Bandages

From Toy Splash

This neat Lizard Pool Lounger.

This is neat for a day at the beach.  

From: Designed by Felisa

 

Sea-Water Octopus Compact Mirror

Description:  This compact mirror is beautiful!!! Fantasy blue sparkles fill the foundation of the front side of the compact. I adorned a lovely Octopus to the top center of the compact mirror. Compact has a combination of a smooth feeling along with perfect texture of the adorned metal Octopus. Perfect match for your accesories!!!!

I used a super sealant with to ensure stability of my design on this compact mirror.   100% designed by Felisa

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Elegant Chainmaille Collar in Silver Plate and Black Czech Glass Beads

Description:15-1/2″ long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors.Silver plated wire is hand coiled, cut, beaded and linked in the European 4-in 1 Chainmaille weave to create this simple and elegant chain.

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Featured Artist Dee 38753 Southern Country Creations

Hello,

This weeks featured artist is Dee38753 from handmadeartsits.com

Her shop is Southern Country Creations

What Dee says about herself:

I am a 50 something teacher that has been “crafty” from a young age and decided recently that I should sell some of my art.

Dee had an item on a Tuesday blog for Five Great Gifts to give.  Here are a couple more items from her shop.

Crochet Irish Linen Versatile Jewelry

Product Details: This handmade item is a little different from most I have. It is a very versatile piece in that it can be worn as a necklace, anklet, or a bracelet.

It is crocheted using Irish linen in a chain stitch with antique copper colored seed beads added for interest. The piece is 21 inches in length and has a red stone flower button closure…for that little POP of color.

Fancy Crocheted Coaster Set in Summer Colors 

Product Details: This set of coasters are in the shape of a flower and in the brightest, boldest colors of summer. The colors are Bright Blue. Bright Lime, and Bright Orange.

The coasters measure 5 1/2 inches in diameter and are made of super absorbent 100% cotton. Because they are 100% cotton these coasters can be machine washed and dried.

Green Bead Cord and Pink Crackle Glass Beads

 

Product Details: This little bracelet is created using green bead cord and pink crackle glass beads. The closure is an antique silver Celtic Knot button.

The bracelet is approximately 6 3/4 inches in length.

As you can see Dee crochets, and uses that technique to create jewelry and other wonderful items.  The items above are but a small sampling of what can be found in her shop.  Won’t you stop by and give this artist a look?

Thank you for stopping by.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a wonderful day.

Five Great Gifts To Give – A Summer’s Day

Greetings on this fine and lovely Tuesday morning.

We have a mix of things today.  Handmade Artists and Etsy Shop offerings.  Gift ideas perfect for a Summer’s day.

From: lisianblue

Hand Crocheted Pink Super Skinny Scarf cs004

Product Details:  This hand crocheted 100% cotton pink skinny scarf is a versatile fashion accessory, drape it or warp it several times around your neck, loop it around your waist as a sash with skirts or jeans.

Versatile, fashionable, and a bit flirty too.  This unique scarf is 1.5″ wide x 90″ long with 4.5″ fringe on the side.  Fringe is hand knotted with it’s neighbor creating a simple lacy effect.

Can be machine washed & dried.  However, I recommend hand washing & wrapping it up in a towel to soak up excess water & laid flat to dry.  You can squeeze, but please don’t wring.

From: T. Rusk 4U

Colorful Polka Dot Bracelet

 

Product Details: Don’t you think there’s something about polka dots that just says fun? This cheerful bracelet is filled with bright colors, sparkle and yes, polka dots! Lampwork beads in pink, red, amber,lime, teal, blue and purple all have a sprinkling of those delightful white dots! Silver plated discs and beads add sparkle as does the 4mm clear beads. It is all strung on flexible beading wire, and finished with wire guards and crimp covers. A smooth toggle clasp keeps it secure on your wrist. When laying flat is it 8″ long and will fit a 6.75″ to 7″ wrist.

From: The Alchemists Vessel

Orange Creamcicle (Carnelian and Sterling Silver Genuine Gemstone Earrings)

Description: These are a fabulous choice for Summer. Oval shaped genuine Carnelian beads hang in a pretty orange curtain reminding on of refreshing Sorbet, Orange Slices or a Creamcicle on a hot Summer day. Would make a great July or August Birthday Present.

Sterling Silver Six Drop Hoop Earrings with Natural Grade A Semi-precious Gemstones – available in a variety of stones.

Life Aquatic

Description: 7-1/4″ in length. Cute, fun, different! Aquatic life, stunning statement bracelet. Charms measure about 3/4″ across at widest or longest points,Leaping Dolphin, Turtle, Seahorse, Swan, and a Penguin in sterling silver plated charms adorn this adorable bracelet. There is plenty of room to add your collection of charms, too!

Elegant Chainmaille Choker Silver Plated with Black Czech Glass Beads

 

Description:  15-1/2″ long. Truly elegant, slender, slinky, silky silver and black go with everything! Very feminine. Makes a pretty accent to any outfit. May be worn to the office, on an evening out, and with that little black dress. Would make a great birthday present in any of our birthstone glass bead colors. 

Thank you for having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.